Automatic fluid-dispensing and foam control apparatus

ABSTRACT

An automatic fluid-dispensing apparatus for measuring and dispensing preselected quantities of fluids. Upon selection of the desired dispensing quantity the apparatus is triggered and automatically fills the container with substantially the exact required amount of fluid thus substantially eliminating overpouring of the fluid to reduce loss through spillage. The quantity of fluid dispensed is accurately counted whereby an inventory of the fluid may be maintained at all times. Where the fluid is a gas-charged liquid, a foam control means is provided.

United States Patent [72] lnventors Archie V. Paranto;

Thomas J. Mathews, both of Dallas, Tex. [21] Appl. No. 784,070 [22]Filed Dec.16,1968 [45] Patented Sept. 28, 1971 [73] Assignee Drat'tMeter Corporation Dallas, Tex.

[54] AUTOMATIC FLUID-DISPENSING AND FOAM CONTROL APPARATUS 9 Claims, 9Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 222/30, 222/70, 222/564, 137/170.1 [51] lnt.Cl B67d 5/54=[50] Field of Search 222/30, 76, 70, 464, 564,144.5,57, 394, 30, 566; 251/9, 10; 137/1701, 170.2,170.3,170.4 [56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 985,757 2/1911 Haws 222/57 UX 2,187,793 1/1940 Rice 222/464 UXufi 74 l////i/ 3,335,753 8/1967 Kiser 251/9 X 3,464,591 9/1969Nicola.... 222/144.5 X 2,423,155 7/1947 Phillips... 222/394 UX 3,054,4259/1962 Pribonic. 251/9 X 3,252,633 5/1966 Clarke 222/564 X 3,380,6294/1968 Kontra et al. 222/70 X 3,408,036 10/1968 Smith et al 222/70 X3,465,915 9/1969 Dc Harde 222/70 X Primary Examiner-Samuel F. ColemanAssistant Examiner- H. Lhane Att0rneyWilliam S. Dorman ABSTRACT: Anautomatic fluid-dispensing apparatus for PATENTED SEP28 l97| SHEET 1 [IF3 ARCHIE V. PARANTO THOMAS J. MATHEWS ATTORNEY PATENIEflsmann I 3508.778

' snmzora' INVENTORSI ARCHIE V. PARANTO THOMAS J. MATHEWS E f ToRNEYPATENIED SEP28 [an SHEET 3 0F 3 m \w w O E 1 j w m m H H I24A l 1INVENTORS:

ARCHIE V. PARANTO THOMAS J. MATHEWS ATTORNEY AUTOMATIC FLUID-DISPENSINGAND FOAM CONTROL APPARATUS This invention relates to improvements in afluid-dispensing apparatus and more particularly but not by way oflimitation to an automatic measuring and dispensing apparatus forliquids.

Dispensing devices for filling containers with a fluid are in widespreaduse today and normally comprise a dispensing nozzle which may be openedand closed by means of a manually operable dispensing valve. Thecontainer to be filled or into which the fluid is to be discharged isnormally positioned in the proximity of the nozzle for receiving thefluid therefrom and the dispensing valve is opened by the operator untilsuch a time as the desired quantity has been delivered to the vessel orcontainer. This procedure has many disadvantages in that the vessel orcontainer is frequently either overfilled or underfilled. In addition,some fluids are particularly difficult to dispense and the manualoperation of the dispensing valve often results in a very inefficientmanner of delivering these hard-to-handle fluids. For example, thedispensing of a glass, pitcher, or the like of draft beer, or beer froma keg, creates many problems because of the inherent qualities and thenature of the beer. Beer is normally maintained under pressure and atrelatively low temperatures to produce a desirable beverage for theclientele. In a manually operated dispensing valve apparatus the beer isfrequently delivered to the container in such a manner that too muchhead" is produced whereby the beverage appears to be an ins'ufficientquantity by the time the container is served to the purchaser.Conversely in the hand operated device the container is frequentlyoverfilled which results in spillage and loss of the beer. Anotherdisadvantage of the hand operated dispensing valves is that there is nomeans provided for maintaining a control or measurement of the quantityof the beer being dispensed, thus rendering it substantially impossibleto maintain an inventory record of the draft beer.

The present invention contemplates a novel automatic dispensing head forfluids and is particularly designed and constructed for automaticallydispensing beer in a manner overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages.The novel device comprises a valve assembly connected with the usualbeer shank and provided with an orifice or passageway for channeling ordirecting the beer to the dispensing nozzle. A cutoff valve is providedin the valve assembly for automatically interrupting the flow of thebeer or other fluid upon the dispensing of a desired quantity from theapparatus. The nozzle is provided with an adjustable flow stabilizerwhich provides control of the quantity of beer or fluid being dispensedtherefrom. In addition, an explosion chamber is built into the nozzleand is particularly designed and constructed for providing the mostdesirable expansion of the beer or fluid during the dispensing thereof.Furthermore, the orifice for directing the beer from the shank to thenozzle provides a flow passageway of the optimum cross-sectionaldimension for efficient delivery of the pressurized beer to the nozzle.

The shutoff valve is automatically actuated by means of a solenoid whichin turn is energized by a switch engageable by the container to befilled. Immediately subsequent to engagement of the switch the containeris placed in the proximity of the open end of the nozzle for receivingthe beer therein. The solenoid permits the shutoff valve to open theorifice passage whereby the beer flows into the explosion or expansionchamber and out through the nozzle into the container. Immediately uponthe dispensing of the preselected amount into the container, thesolenoid permits closing of the shutoff valve to interrupt the flow ofthe fluid. The shutoff valve is so ositioned in the orifice passagewayas to trap a minimum quantity of beer in the passageway behind theclosed valve, thus reducing temperature loss in the cool beer. Ofcourse, whereas the particular embodiment of the invention disclosedherein related to an automatic beer-dispensing device, it is noted thatthe invention may be used for dispensing substantially any fluid, suchas carbonated or other beverages or the like.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novel apparatusparticularly designed and constructed for automatically dispensing apreselected quantity of fluid.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel apparatus forautomatically dispensing draft beer in preselected quantities in amanner resulting in an optimum quality for the dispensed beer.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel fluiddispensingdevice for automatically delivering the fluid under optimum conditionstherefor.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel automaticfluid-dispensing apparatus wherein an accurate measurement of thequantity of fluid dispensed is maintained for facilitating inventoryrecording of the fluid.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel automaticfluid-dispensing apparatus wherein an accurate control is maintained fordelivery of a predetermined quantity of fluid in a minimum of time.

Other and further objects and advantageous features of the presentinvention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with adetailed description of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic fluid dispensing headembodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the interior side of the door of thedispensing head cabinet.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a valve assembly embodying theinvention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 55 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a basic power supply unit utilizedin the invention.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a modified power supply unitutilized in the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an electrical circuit of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an electrical circuit of a modification ofthe invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character 10 generallyindicates a fluid-dispensing head comprising an outer housing 12 havinga door 14 hingedly secured to one open side thereof in any suitablemanner such as the hinges 16. The door 14 is normally in a closedposition during use or operation of the dispensing head 10, and asuitable overriding switch 18 may be provided for permitting cleaning ofthe dispensing apparatus 10 or manual operation thereof as will behereinafter set forth. The switch 18 herein is of the type operablc by akey (not shown) and is preferably mounted on one sidewall of the cabinet12 in such a manner that the key lock portion 19 thereof is accessiblefrom the exterior of the cabinet 12, and the switch 18 is interiorlydisposed in the cabinet 12. Of course, there is no limitation intendedfor the particular type switch device, nor for the particulararrangement for the installation thereof.

A suitable on-off switch 20 is mounted on the cabinet 12 and as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 is preferably of the toggle type with the toggle member 21being disposed exteriorly of the cabinet 12 and the switch 20 beingdisposed interiorly thereof. It is preferable to mount the switch 20 onthe upper side 22 of the cabinet 12 for facilitating access thereto, butis not limited to this particular installation arrangement. A signallamp or light 23 is also mounted on the cabinet 12 and as shown hereinthe lamp 23 is secured to the upper side 22 in such a manner that thebulb portion 24 is disposed exteriorly of the cabinet whereby a visualindication is provided for determining the operating condition of thedevice 10. In addition, an upstanding threaded shank member 25 issuitably mounted on the cabinet 12 for receiving and supporting theusual advertising or insignia device (not shown) normally required bylaw on dispensers of this type for identification of the goods beingdispensed thereby. The holder 25 may be secured to the cabinet 12 in anywell-known manner, and as shown herein extends upwardly from the upperside 22 for purposes of convenience and overall attractiveness for theunit 10.

A plurality of selector switches or buttons 26 and 27 are mounted on thecabinet for selection of a variety of fluid quantities to be dispensedby the device, and as shown herein are mounted on the door 14 forfacilitating access to the switches 26 and 27. An actuating switch lever28 extends through an aperture 30 provided in the door 14 for operationof a selector switch 32 which is preferably suitably mounted on the rearsurface 32 of the door 14. Of course, the overriding switch 18, theon-off switch 20, the pilot light 23, selector switches 26 and 27, andselector switch 32 are operably connected in the electrical circuit ofthe apparatus in a manner and for a purpose as will be hereinafter setforth.

A valve assembly generally indicated at 36 is disposed within thecabinet or housing 12 and comprises a body or outer sleeve 38 having oneend thereof externally threaded as shown at 40 in FIGS. 4 and 5 fordirect connection with the usual beer shank (not shown) of the usualdraft beer keg (not shown). A suitable lock nut 42 is threadedly securedon the threaded portion 40 for facilitating securing of the sleeve 38 onthe beer shank. The sleeve is further provided with a central bore 44extending longitudinally therethrough for receiving an orifice member 46therein. The orifice member 46 is of substantially tubular configurationhaving a central passageway 48 extending therethrough to provide achannel for the flow of the beer. The cross-sectional dimension of thepassageway 48 is preselected to provide the optimum dimension for thetravel of the beer, as is well known. One end of the orifice member 46is provided with an outwardly extending circumferential flange 50adapted for disposition adjacent an annular shoulder 52 provided in thebore 44. In addition, a sealing gasket 54 is disposed between the flange50 and the beer shank (not shown) for precluding leakage of fluidtherebetween.

The orifice member 46 is inserted within a flexible sleeve 56 and isprovided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced serrations 52, or thelike, for resisting withdrawal of the device from the sleeve 56. Anorifice insert sleeve 47 is slidably disposed within the orifice 46 andis provided with an outwardly extending circumferential flange 49 forlimiting the length of insertion of the insert 47 within the bore 48. An0- ring 51, or the like, may be interposed between the head member orflange 49 and the flange 50, or a plurality of the rings 51 may be soprovided for varying the insertable length of the member 47 in the bore48. The outer end 53 of the insert member 47 is adapted for connectionwith or disposition within the usual explosion chamber (not shown) ofthe standard beer shank (not shown), and the adjustable feature of thesleeve 47 facilitates the installation of the valve 36 on the beershank. The orifice insert sleeve functions to effectively eliminate thenormal explosion chamber of the beer shank, and direct the beer or fluidfrom the supply source directly to the passageway 48.

Of course, the sleeve 47 may be eliminated, but if the sleeve 47 is notprovided, it becomes important to provide a yieldable yet firm structurefor the washer 54 in order to achieve efficient results. It has beenfound that a synthetic rubber material sold under the trade name Bunna-Nprovides excellent results for the washer or gasket 54.

The orifice 46 extends longitudinally within the sleeve 56 intoengagement with a suitable shutoff valve 58 which is also disposedwithin the sleeve 56. The shutoff valve 58 may be of any suitable typefor permitting intermittent flow of the fluid or beer therethrough for apurpose and in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth.

The shutoff valve 58 is retained within the sleeve 56 and adjacent theend of the orifice 46 by an outwardly extending boss member 60 providedon the outer periphery of a dispensing nozzle generally indicated at 62.The nozzle 62 is preferably substantially cylindrical and is providedwith an internal central bore 64 having one end 66 open for dispensingthe fluid therethrough and the opposite end 68 closed as particularlyshown in FIG. 5. The boss 60 is provided with a central bore 70providing communication between the shutoff valve 58 and the bore 64ofthe nozzle 62. Of course, it is preferable that the cross-sectionaldimension of the bore 70 be at least as small as the cross-sectionaldimension of the bore 48, and substantially smaller than thecross-sectional area of the bore 64. That portion of the bore 64 in theproximity of or conterminous with the bore 70 provides an expansion orexplosion chamber 72 for the nozzle 62 as will be hereinafter in detail.

A fluid stabilizer 74 is centrally disposed within the bore 70 andextends longitudinally therein through the explosion chamber 72. Thestabilizer 74 is adjustably disposed within the chamber 72 and comprisesa rod member 76 of a smaller diameter than the diameter orcross-sectional dimension of the chamber 62 and is provided with anenlarged head portion 78 on the outer end thereof. The opposite end ofthe rod 76 is threaded at 80 and extends through a threaded bore 82provided in the closed end 68 of the nozzle 62 into connection with acap nut 84. Removal of the cap nut 84 permits access to the threaded end80 whereby manual rotation of the end 80 in one direction will move thehead member 78 upwardly in the chamber 72, as viewed in FIG. 5, androtation of the end 80 in an opposite direction will move the headmember 78 downwardly in the chamber 72 to provide for variation of thevolumetric size of the chamber 72 and stabilization of the flow of thefluid therethrough in accordance with the requirements for the optimumdispensing of the beer. It appears that as the beer passes from thepassageway it passes into the chamber 72 at a reduced rate. As the beerdescends downwardly and passes the enlargement 74 the cross-sectionalarea of the passageway is lessened thereby causing acceleration of thefluid and drop in pressure to cause the gases to come out of solution.The size of the passageway is carefully selected to produce the correctbubbles for customer satisfaction. The greater the distance between thehead 74 and the discharged end of the bore 64 the greater the size ofthe bubbles, and the smaller the the distance between the head 74 andthe discharge end of the bore 64, the smaller the size of the bubbles.

A slot 86 is provided in the wall of the body 38 as particularly shownin FIGS. 4 and 5, and is disposed in substantial alignment with theshutoff valve 58. A spring member 88 is mounted within the housing 12 bya suitable mounting bracket 90 (FIG. 2). As shown herein the spring 88comprises a central coil portion 92 wound around a pin 94 suitablysecured to the bracket 90, and a spring first arm 96 extends upwardlyfrom the coil portion 92 as shown in the drawings, and a second springarm 98 extends outwardly from the coil portion 92 and through the slot86 as particularly shown in FIG. 4 and 5. The spring arm 98 is disposedon the shut off valve 58 and maintains the valve 58 in a normally closedposition.

The outer end 100 of the spring arm 98 is connected with the reciprocalelement 102 of a suitable solenoid 104 by a suitable link member 106.When the solenoid 104 is in the normal inactive position thereof, thespring 98 rests against the valve 58 for maintaining the valve in anormal closed position therefor. When the solenoid 104 is energized, aswill be hereinafter set forth, the element 102 is moved upwardly, asviewed in FIG. 4, and lifts the spring arm 98 from engagement with theshut off valve 58, thus opening the valve for permitting the flow offluid therethrough. Of course, the solenoid 104 may be mounted withinthe housing 12 in any suitable manner such as by the mounting bracket107 and screws 108, or the like. In addition, a guide bracket 110 (FIG.2) may be secured within the housing 12 for cooperation with the link106 to guide the reciprocal movement of the link 106 upon alternateactivation and deactivation of the solenoid 104.

Electrical power or current for operation of the dispensing head 10 issupplied by a control device generally indicated at 112 (FIG. 6). Thecontrol device 112 may be remotely disposed with respect to thedispensing head 10, and the basic unit 112 is of a modular typeconstruction comprising a housing 114 having an on-off switch 116suitably mounted thereon, and provided with means for receiving aplurality of cells or modules 118. The basic unit 112 depicted in FIG. 6includes a single module 118 for operation of one dispensing head 10,whereas the control unit 112A includes four modules, 118A,

118B, 118C, 118D. It will be apparent that substantially any 1 desirednumber of the modules 118 may be provided, with each module 118 beingelectrically connected to its respective dispensing head in any suitablemanner, such as by as extension cord, or the like, (not shown).

Each of the modules 118 is substantially identical and comprises anouter housing 120 adapted to be readily inserted in and secured to thehousing 112. The electrical components of each module 118 are mountedwithin the respective housing 120, with each electrical arrangementbeing substantially the same. The off-on switch 116 is preferably of thekey operated type and is suitably electrically connected with eachmodule 118 to supply electrical current thereto. Of course, the off-onswitch 116 is suitably connected with a source of electrical current,such as the usual house power, as is well known, and suitable electricalconnections (128) are interposed between the switch 116 and the modules118 for converting the normal AC house power to DC power. Each module118 is provided with an on-off switch 122 whereby selective operation ofeach module 118 may be provided and a suitable pilot light 123 forindicating the operating status thereof. In addition, each module 118 isprovided with a suitable adjustable timecounter device 124 which ispreferably of the type commonly known as a triac. Each module 118 iselectrically connected with one selector switch of one dispensing device10, such as either or any one of the switches 26, 27, or 28. A separateor independent module unit 118 is required for each selector switch 26,27, or 28, or each dispenser head 10.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an electrical schematic is depicted thereinparticularly illustrating the electrical circuit for a control unit 112as shown in FIG. 6, with the said control unit 112 being arranged foroperation of the selector switch 32 of a dispensing apparatus 10. Theselector switch 32 is preferably a normally open switch of thespring-urged or spring-loaded type. The switch is preferably of a gangor toggle-actuated type, as hereinbefore set forth, and under the normaloperating conditions for the apparatus 10, the switch 20 is in theclosed position shown in FIG. 6. As long as the switch 20 is in theclosed position, and the selector switch 28 is in the open position,current flows through the pilot light 24 for lighting thereof, thusproviding a visual indication that the dispenser head 10 is in conditionfor delivering fluid, such as beer, through the nozzle 62.

The off-on switch 122 of the module 118 may be of any suitable type andas shown herein is of the slide button type. When the switch 122 is inthe closed position, electrical current is supplied from the switch 116to the triac 124. As hereinbefore set forth, whereas the switch 116 iselectrically connected with the usual alternating current of the housepower, suitable electrical connectors (128) are interposed between theswitch 116 and the triac 123 whereby the electric power supplied theretowill be direct current, and in addition, other suitable electricalconnectors (not shown) are provided between the switch 116 and the triac124 to operably connect the triac 124 with the required electricalpower. Of course, the triac 124 is normally provided with a normallyopen switch 126, as is well known, and current does not flow through thetriac until the switch 126 is closed.

Upon the closing of the selector switch 32, such as by engaging theactuating lever 28 by a glass or other container (not shown), the triacis activated in the usual manner for the closing of the switch 126whereby electrical current is supplied to the solenoid 104. It ispreferable to provide a slight time delay between the closing of theswitch 32 and the energizing of the solenoid 104 in order to permitsufficient time for placing of the container or glass beneath the nozzle62 for receiving the fluid to be dispensed. When the solenoid 104 isenergized, the spring arm 98 is raised from the engagement with theshutoff valve 58 and the fluid flows through the valve into theexplosion chamber 72 and through the nozzle 62 for discharge into theprepositioned glass, The triac 124 is preset for remaining activatedduring a preselected time interval as required for the dispensing of theproper quantity of the fluid as required for the most desirable fillinglevel for the glass. As soon as the time interval has elapsed, theswitch 126 is opened for deactivation of the triac, as is well know.This interrupts the flow'of current to the solenoid 104, and thesolenoid releases the spring arm 98 for closing of the shutoff valve.

During the time interval when fluid is being delivered through thenozzle 62, the pilot light 24 is shut off, but as soon as the deliveryof the fluid is stopped, the pilot light is lighted whereby visualindication is provided showing that the dispensing head 10 is incondition for delivering a quantity of the fluid. As shown herein, thelight 24 is of a type having a built-in resistance whereby theresistance of the light 24 is sufficiently greater than the resistanceof the solenoid that the light will cease to glow, or at least emit onlya very faint glow, when the solenoid is energized. Of course, it will beapparent that the light 24 may be shut off upon energization of thesolenoid in substantially any suitable manner, as is well known, and isnot limited to the particular electrical connection shown herein.

When the fluid being dispensed by the apparatus 10 is beer, cleaning ofthe flow passageway and nozzle is frequently required to reduce anyaccumulation of algae, or the like. In order to open the flow passagewayfor a continual flow of fluid therethrough, the overriding switch 18 maybe closed by manual actuation of the operation key (not shown) as iswell known. When the switch 18 is closed, electrical current is directedto the solenoid 104 for pulling the spring arm 98 out of engagement withthe shutoff valve 58. Thus, the flow of fluid through the passageways 48and through the nozzle 62 will remain constant until the switch 18 isopened. This permits cleaning of the flow lines, as required.

In addition, it will be apparent that suitable mechanical linkage (notshown) may be provided for manual operation of the spring arm 98 andshutoff valve 58 in order that the dispenser apparatus 10 may beutilized in the conventional manner in the event of electric powerfailure, or for any other reason.

Referring to FIG. 9, an electrical schematic is shown such as may beutilized in connection with a dispensing head 10 having three selectorswitches, such as the particular dispensing head shown in FIG. 1. Inthis instance, the control unit 112 will be provided with three modules118, with a module 118 being provided for each of the selector switches26, 27, and 32. The triac 124 of the first module 118 is electricallyconnected with the switch 26; the triac 124A of the second module 118 iselectrically connected with the switch 27; and the triac 1248 of thethird module 118 is electrically connected with the switch 32. Each ofthe triacs is preset at a timing of actuation corresponding with thetime interval required for delivery of fluid through the shutoff valveto achieve the desired quantity. For example, the switch 26 is selectedin order to deliver a quantity of beer equal to a small glass; theswitch 27 is selected in order to deliver a quantity of beer equal to apitcher; and the switch 32 is selected in order to deliver a quantity ofbeer equal to a large glass.

Of course, each triac also counts each delivery operation it makes. Thecounter portion of the triac is preferably of the nonresetting type andis activated each time the triac is energized, thus permitting acounting of the number of dispensing operations actuated thereby. Inaddition, the triac is particularly arranged to provide for one and onlyone action for the counting for each delivery operation regardless ofany accidental closing of a selector switch during a delivery ordispensing operation. Thus, an accurate record may be maintained of thefluid being dispensed by the dispensing device or devices beingcontrolled by the control apparatus 112.

In the event a selector switch has been closed by mistake, or anerroneous selector switch has been closed, the kill" switch 20 may beopened by manual operation of the toggle member 21. This opens theelectrical circuit, and deenergizes the solenoid104 for immediatelyclosing the valve 58. This prevents or greatly reduces accidentalspilling or wastage of fluid.

By way of summary, a plurality of the dispensing heads 10 may beinstalled in direct communication with the fluid to be dispensedthereby. The dispensing heads 10 may each be provided with a singleselector switch, or may each be provided with a plurality of selectorswitches, as desired. In any event, an independent module 118 must beprovided in the control unit 112 for connection with each selectorswitch. When a selector switch is closed, the triac connected therewithis activated for energizing the respective solenoid. Energization of thesolenoid opens the respective shutoff valve for permitting the flow offluid therethrough, and for discharge of the fluid into the expansionchamber 72 and through the nozzle 62 into the container disposedtherebelow. The shutoff valve is held open during the time period ofactivation of the triac for delivery of a predetermined quantity of thefluid as required for filling the particular container. The triac thenis deactivated, thus deenerg'izing the solenoid, and releasing thespring arm 98 for immediate closing of the valve 58.

When it is desirable to shut off any of the selector valves fromoperation, the respective module 118 may be shut off by closing therespective switch 122 thereof. This may be desirable in the event one ofthe fluid supply sources is emptied, and the entire dispenser head 10should be placed temporarily out of service to prevent activation of thetriacs during a nondelivery operation. The triac will provide a countingupon each activation thereof, and any time the triac is activatedwithout delivery of fluid will result in an overcounting of deliveredfluid, thus providing inaccurate inventory record.

In the event it is necessary to interrupt the flow of the fluid at anytime during a dispensing operation, the kill switch may be actuated bythe toggle 21 which stops the flow of fluid. After a time interval ofsufficient length to permit the particular triad to become deactivated,the toggle 21 may be utilized for closing the switch 20 and restoringthe dispenser to the normal operating condition therefor. Of course, thepilot light 24 will be lighted at all times when the dispensing head 10is in condition for delivery of fluid through the nozzle 62. Similarly,the pilot light 123 of each module will be lighted when the module is inan operating condition.

When it is necessary to clean out the flow line and nozzle, the overrideswitch 18 may be closed by operation of the key lock 19. This energizesthe solenoid 104 for opening the valve 58 to permit an uninterruptedflow of fluid therethrough for as long a time period as the switch 18remains closed. When the cleaning operation has been completed, theswitch 18 may be opened, thus restoring the system to normal operatingcondition therefor.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present inventionprovides a novel dispensing apparatus for fluids wherein a preselectedquantity of the fluid is automatically dispensed. A selector switcharranged for the particular quantity desired may be closed forenergizing the dispensing system for an automatic delivery of the saidquantity. in addition, a counting means is provided for maintainingaccurate record of the quantity of the fluid dispensed, thus permittingan accurate inventory of the delivery fluid. Substantially any number ofdispensing heads may be utilized in the system, with each dispensinghead being provided with either a single selector switch, or a pluralityof selector switches. The novel apparatus substantially eliminatesoversupplying of the fluid being dispensed, and delivers the mostdesirable or optimum quantity of the fluid according to the particularrequirements.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relationto the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other andfurther modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, maybe made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A gas-charged liquid dispensing device comprising a head including adispensing nozzle, valve means leading to the head and communicatingwith the nozzle and movable from a closed position to an open positionto interrupt or permit flow of fluid to the nozzle, said dispensingnozzle includingan elongated tube, discharging directly to a receiver, abody member constituting a foam-controlling means disposed within saidtube, and having a smaller stem and a longitudinally extending enlargedportion thereon, said enlarged portion having smooth gradually changingflow-conducting surfaces at each end thereof, and said enlarged portionbeing spaced from the outer end of said tube whereby a liquid of thedesired quality of foam is produced as the gasified liquid passes saidenlarged portion.

2. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 1wherein said valve means is quick opening to fully open and quickclosing to full) closed.

3. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 2wherein said valve means is disposed adjacent the source of said gascharged liquid under pressure.

4. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 andincluding a solenoid actuated operator for opening and closing of saidvalve means.

5. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 andincluding actuating means operably connected with said valve for openingand closing thereof, timing means operably connected with said actuatingmeans for controlling the opening of said valve means to provide forflow of a predetermined quantity of the liquid to the dispensing nozzleduring the open position of the valve.

6. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 5 andincluding selector switch means operably connected with said timingmeans for selective actuation thereof to deliver said predeterminedquantities of liquid to the dispensing nozzle.

7. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 6wherein said selector switch means comprises a plurality of independentselector switches operably connected to provide variable timingoperation of the valve means whereby a variety of preselected quantitiesof the liquid are independently dispensed through the nozzle.

8. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 5 andincluding counting means operably connected with the timing means andoperable upon opening of the valve for recording the quantity of liquiddispensed by the dispensing device.

9. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 1wherein said stem and body member is adjustably secured with in saidtube.

1. A gas-charged liquid dispensing device comprising a head including adispensing nozzle, valve means leading to the head and communicatingwith the nozzle and movable from a closed position to an open positionto interrupt or permit flow of fluid to the nozzle, said dispensingnozzle including an elongated tube discharging directly to a receiver, abody member constituting a foam-controlling means disposed within saidtube, and having a smaller stem and a longitudinally extending enlargedportion thereon, said enlarged portion having smooth gradually changingflow-conducting surfaces at each end thereof, and said enlarged portionbeing spaced from the outer end of said tube whereby a liquid of thedesired quality of foam is produced as the gasiFied liquid passes saidenlarged portion.
 2. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forthin claim 1 wherein said valve means is quick opening to fully open andquick closing to fully closed.
 3. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing deviceas set forth in claim 2 wherein said valve means is disposed adjacentthe source of said gas charged liquid under pressure.
 4. A gas-chargedliquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 and including asolenoid actuated operator for opening and closing of said valve means.5. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 andincluding actuating means operably connected with said valve for openingand closing thereof, timing means operably connected with said actuatingmeans for controlling the opening of said valve means to provide forflow of a predetermined quantity of the liquid to the dispensing nozzleduring the open position of the valve.
 6. A gas-chargedliquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 5 and including selectorswitch means operably connected with said timing means for selectiveactuation thereof to deliver said predetermined quantities of liquid tothe dispensing nozzle.
 7. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as setforth in claim 6 wherein said selector switch means comprises aplurality of independent selector switches operably connected to providevariable timing operation of the valve means whereby a variety ofpreselected quantities of the liquid are independently dispensed throughthe nozzle.
 8. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth inclaim 5 and including counting means operably connected with the timingmeans and operable upon opening of the valve for recording the quantityof liquid dispensed by the dispensing device.
 9. A gas-chargedliquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said stem andbody member is adjustably secured within said tube.